Graeme Souness has revealed he has "zero complaints" over his Sky Sports exit despite being open to spending another year with the broadcaster.
Former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Souness had his exit confirmed towards the end of the most recent Premier League season. His 15 years with Sky have seen him become a fixture during football coverage, frequently sitting in the studio during English top-flight games.
A number of former colleagues paid tribute to the 70-year old amid suggestions he had been axed from his role. Now, though, he has made clear the decision was mutual, adding that he remains in conversations regarding the next phase of his career.
“[It was] mutual. I mean, I was keen to stay another year," Souness told The Guardian. "They thought it would be a good idea that we called it a day, gave their reasons and I accepted that and have zero complaints about Sky.
"I worked for them maybe 15 years solid – but it’s more like 20 years. They’ve been great for me, gave me the weekends to look forward to, the buzz of live football.”
“Yes [I'll miss it]. But I’m talking to other people and we’ll go again. There’s life in the old dog yet.”
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Souness moved into management after hanging up his playing boots in the 90s, taking charge of former clubs Rangers and Liverpool among others. However, since leaving the Newcastle dugout in 2006, TV has been his home.
"A second career in television meant a life in the game was still very much there for me," he wrote for The Mail after his Sky exit was made official. "The business of going to live matches and working from them in a journalistic capacity has been a privilege.
"I didn't always agree with those I shared a studio with but punditry is all about having your view on football and not always agreeing with everyone. I made some great friends along the way and one of the reasons I have relished the work so much is that it has got me out of my comfort zone on a regular basis.
"It meant a lot that my last game for Sky was at Liverpool, the club I hold so dear. I will be 70 on Saturday and I'm still very much open for business. My passion for football is undimmed and I certainly still feel I have a lot to offer."
Jamie Carragher was among those to lead the tributes to the Scot. " Graeme Souness was one of the greatest players this country has ever seen, the same goes for him as a pundit! I've never seen anyone else have his authority in a studio, you'll be missed Souey," the pundit and former England defender said.
